Vehicle HVAC noise control system

ABSTRACT

A vehicle HVAC noise control system includes an air handler, a blower motor, an audio event device and a controller. The air handler is connected to a passenger compartment. The blower motor is operably connected to the air handler to provide a plurality of airflow rates for air flowing into a passenger compartment. The audio event device produces an audio event to the passenger compartment. The controller is operatively connected to the blower motor and the audio event device. The controller controls operation of the blower motor initially at an operating airflow rate and subsequently switches to a noise reducing airflow rate in response to a signal from the audio event device indicating that the audio event device will subsequently produce the audio event.

This application is a reissue application of U.S. Pat. No. 9,862,248,issued Jan. 9, 2018, from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/190,710.

BACKGROUND

Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to a vehicle HVAC noise controlsystem. More specifically, the present invention relates to an HVACnoise control system that automatically reduces an airflow rate producedby a blower of an HVAC system prior to an occurrence of an audio event.

Background Information

Many vehicles include audio devices such as, for example, a wirelesstelephone system and/or a navigation device. These devices produce audiooutputs within the passenger compartment of the vehicle. When an HVACsystem (heating, ventilation and air conditioning system) of the vehicleis set to provide a large airflow rate into the passenger compartmentfor cooling or heating purposes, the noise level generated by the airflowing into the passenger compartment can make it difficult for thevehicle operator and/or passengers to hear the audio output of the audiodevices.

SUMMARY

One object of the present disclosure is to provide a vehicle with anHVAC system controller that anticipates occurrence of an upcoming audioevent within the passenger compartment and lowers the airflow rate ofthe air flowing into the passenger compartment, in anticipation of theaudio event, thereby reducing the noise level produced by the airflowing into the passenger compartment.

In view of the state of the known technology, one aspect of thedisclosure is a vehicle HVAC noise control system that includes an airhandler, a blower motor, an audio event device and a controller. The airhandler is connected to a passenger compartment. The blower motor isoperably connected to the air handler to provide a plurality of airflowrates for air flowing into a passenger compartment. The audio eventdevice produces an audio event to the passenger compartment. Thecontroller is operatively connected to the blower motor and the audioevent device. The controller controls the operation of the blower motorinitially at an operating airflow rate and subsequently switches to anoise reducing airflow rate in response to a signal from the audio eventdevice indicating that the audio event device will subsequently producethe audio event.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of thisoriginal disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle that includes an HVAC noisecontrol system in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the vehicle showing details of the HVACnoise control system in accordance with the one embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of portion of the vehicle showing a passengercompartment and a plurality of audio event devices in accordance withthe one embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the HVAC noise control system showing acontroller connected to a blower and the plurality of audio eventdevices in accordance with the one embodiment; and

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of operation performed by thecontroller of the HVAC control system in accordance with the oneembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Selected embodiments will now be explained with reference to thedrawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from thisdisclosure that the following descriptions of the embodiments areprovided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting theinvention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Referring initially to FIG. 1 , a vehicle 10 is illustrated inaccordance with a first embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 1-3 , the vehicle10 includes, among other things, an HVAC system 12, a passengercompartment 14, an engine compartment 16, a propulsion system 18 and amovable window panel 20. The HVAC system 12 includes a noise reducingfeature that reduces the airflow rate of air flowing to the passengercompartment 14 in anticipation of various audio events, as described ingreater detail below.

The HVAC system 12 includes an air handler 22, a blower 24, a heatsource 26, an evaporator 28, a compressor 30, a condenser 32 and acontroller 34. The blower 24, the heat source 26 and the evaporator 28are all located within or adjacent to the air handler 22. The airhandler 22 includes a mixing door 36 that is electronically positionedby the controller 34 to any one of a plurality of positions in order tocontrol the temperature of air flowing out of the air handler 22 andinto the passenger compartment 14. For example, in FIG. 2 , the mixingdoor 36 is shown in solid lines in a heating mode where all of the airflowing through the air handler 22 is passed over heating surfaces ofthe heat source 26 in order to heat the air flowing into the passengercompartment 14. In FIG. 2 , the mixing door 36 is shown in phantom linesin a cooling mode where all of the air flowing through the air handler22 is prevented from flowing past the heat source 26 and only passesover cooling surfaces of the evaporator 28. The evaporator 28 isselectively operated to extract heat from the air flowing through theair handler 22. In the depicted embodiment, the air flowing through theair handler 22 always passes over heat exchanging surfaces of theevaporator 28.

The air handler 22 also includes a plurality of air outlets, such as airoutlets 22a, 22b and 22c. It should be understood from the drawings andthe description herein that the air handler 22 can include many airoutlets. For purposes of explaining the operation of the controller 34,only three such air outlets are depicted in FIG. 2 and describedhereinbelow. However, there can be 4,6, 8 or more air outlets directingair from the air handler 22 to the passenger compartment 14. In thedepicted embodiment, the air outlet 22a represents all air outletsdirecting air to a windshield of the vehicle 10, for example, as used ina defrost or defog operation. The air outlet 22b represents all airoutlets that are provided in an instrument panel 37, directing air toflow on the vehicle operator and/or passenger(s). The air outlet 22crepresents all air outlets that direct air to flow toward the floor ofthe passenger compartment 14 and can also include any air outlets thatdirect air to flow to a rearward portion of the passenger compartment14.

Each of the air outlets 22a, 22b and 22c includes a corresponding door23a, 23b and 23c that are connected to the controller 34 such that eachof the doors 23a, 23b and 23c can be moved between an open position anda closed position. Specifically, with the door 23a in an open position,air flows through the air outlet 22a. With the door 23a in a closedposition, air does not flow through the air outlet 22a. With the door23b in an open position, air flows through the air outlet 22b. With thedoor 23b in a closed position, air does not flow through the air outlet22b. With the door 23c in an open position, air flows through the airoutlet 22c. With the door 23c in a closed position, air does not flowthrough the air outlet 22c.

The blower 24 pushes air through the air handler 22 into the passengercompartment 14. The blower 24 is operated and controlled by thecontroller 34 and/or settings made by the vehicle operator and/orpassengers, in order to provide a plurality of differing airflow ratesof the air flowing into the passenger compartment 14.

The heat source 26 can be provided with heated engine coolant from thepropulsion system 18 or can be an electric heater. The enginecompartment 16 includes the propulsion system 18 and variouscompartments of the HVAC system 12, such as the compressor 30 and thecondenser 32. The evaporator 28, the compressor 30 and the condenser 32are conventional elements of an HVAC system. Therefore, furtherdescription of the evaporator 28, the compressor 30 and the condenser 32is omitted for the sake of brevity.

A description of the controller 34 is provided below, after furtherdescription of various features of the vehicle 10.

As shown in FIG. 3 , the passenger compartment 14 includes theinstrument panel 37, a hands-free communication device 38 and a voicerecognition device 40. The instrument panel 37 includes a navigationdevice 42, a climate control panel 44 and an audio controller 46. InFIG. 3 , the hands-free communication device 38 and the voicerecognition device 40 are depicted as being concealed by a headliner ofadjacent to the roof of the vehicle 10. However, it should be understoodfrom the drawings and the description herein that the hands-freecommunication device 38 and the voice recognition device 40 can belocated within the instrument panel 37, within the engine compartment16, or any convenient location within the passenger compartment 14.

The hands-free communication device 38 and the voice recognition device40 are connected to a microphone 48 and an audio speaker 50 such thatcommands spoken by the vehicle operator and/or passenger are detected bythe hands-free communication device 38 and the voice recognition device40 via the microphone 48. When the hands-free communication device 38and/or the voice recognition device 40 outputs an audio output (an audioevent), such as a caller's voice from a telephone call, the audio outputis sent to the audio speaker 50. It should be understood from thedrawings and the description herein that the audio speaker 50 canalternatively be part of the music/entertainment system (not shown) ofthe vehicle 10. More specifically, the audio controller 46 typicallycontrols audio output of the music/entertainment system from, forexample, broadcast radio, satellite radio, CD, player and/or MP3 player.The music/entertainment system (not shown) includes a plurality ofspeakers (not shown) located at various positions within the passengercompartment 14. The audio speaker 50 shown in FIG. 3 can be a separatestand-alone speaker or, alternatively, the audio speaker 50 can be oneor all of the audio speakers of the music/entertainment system. Further,the hands-free communication device 38 and the voice recognition device40 can be directly coupled to the music/entertainment system such thatthe hands-free communication device 38 and the voice recognition device40 output audio via the speakers of the music/entertainment system.

The hands-free communication device 38 is a device that communicateswith mobile devices such as a cell phone, using, for example, BlueTooth®technology. Thus, the hands-free communication device 38 is programmedto link to a vehicle operator's mobile communication device, such as acell phone, such that the vehicle operator and/or passenger can maketelephone calls, receive telephone calls, or engage in other forms ofcommunication tasks, such as text-to-speech readouts of SMS (shortmessage services), without using his/her hands in a conventional manner.

Further, as is described in greater detail below, when the mobile device(i.e., cell phone) receives an incoming telephone call or incoming textmessage, the hands-free communication device 38 provides a signal to thecontroller 34 to switch operation of the blower 24 to a noise reducingairflow rate, as described further below. The controller 34 then lowersthe airflow rate produced by the blower 24. Thereafter, the hands-freecommunication device 38 produces an indication of the incoming telephonecall via the audio speaker 50. Hence, the user is able to answer thetelephone call and have a telephone conversation with the noise levelproduced by the airflow rate of the blower 24 being reduced. Uponanswering, the user can hear the caller through the audio speaker 50 orthrough the onboard audio speaker system, and produce an audibleresponse received by the microphone 48. The indication of the incomingtelephone call, and subsequent conversation, are audio events, asdiscussed further below. Hence, the audio event produced by thehands-free telephone system includes the telephone interaction (speakersand microphone) and can also include the indication of the incomingphone call or other incoming communication.

The voice recognition device 40 is a system that, for example, respondsto specific audible input such as voice commands from the vehicleoperator's voice or the voice of a passenger. Such voice commands canbe, for example: a request for specific music or other audio output fromthe vehicle music/entertainment system; a request to make a phone callto a specific individual or phone number; a request to input navigationinformation; and/or a request to engage cruise control.

The voice recognition device 40 is typically initiated or activated by avoice command from the vehicle operator or passenger. However, the voicerecognition device 40 can also be activated by a manual controlinitiation input (such as a mechanical switch 41 on the instrument panel37 or steering wheel 39). However, the voice recognition device 40 mayalways be in a standing-by mode or a listening mode, waiting for aspecific audible initiation input from the vehicle operator orpassenger. Once the specific audible initiation input is detected by themicrophone 48 or the switch 41, the voice recognition device 40 canproduce an audible acknowledgement of the initiation input, indicatingoperating in a listening mode. Thereafter, the voice recognition device40 interprets the audible command and performs a function correspondingto the audible command. Hence, the voice recognition device 40 producesaudio events, as used by the controller 34 and described in greaterdetail below. For example, an audio event produced by voice recognitiondevice 40 can include at least the listening mode, but further caninclude an initiation acknowledgement, and a performance of the functioncorresponding to the audible command. Since voice recognition systemsare conventional, further description is omitted for the sake ofbrevity.

The navigation device 42 is, for example, a global positioning system(GPS) that provides mapping, positioning and driving directions for thevehicle operator. The navigation device 42 can also be part of anintelligent transportation system (ITS) that provides warning messagesrelating to road or weather conditions relating to driving. Thenavigation system 42 typically includes a visual display 42a on theinstrument panel 37 and also provide an audio output (an audio event)such that the vehicle operator is provided with driving instructionswithout taking eyes from the road ahead. The visual display 42a can be adedicated display used only by the navigation device 42 to display, forexample, maps. Alternatively, the visual display 42a can be connected tothe climate control panel 44 to display data and information related tothe settings of the HVAC system 12. Further the visual display 42a canalso be connected to the music/entertainment system to displayinformation such as radio station settings or music selectioninformation.

The navigation device 42 can be connected to the voice recognitiondevice 40 such that voice commands processed by the voice recognitiondevice 40 can be used to set and adjust destination information used bythe navigation device 42. The navigation device 42 is also connected tothe audio speaker 50 or onboard audio speaker system such that the audiospeaker 50 outputs audio from the navigation device 42, such as drivinginstructions, request for information, or other navigation relatedoutput. All of the audio outputs of the navigation system 42 are audioevents.

The climate control panel 44 on the instrument panel 37 is an inputtingdevice that the vehicle operator and/or passenger uses to set HVACsystem parameters, such as a desired cabin temperature for the passengercompartment 14, a manual setting for an airflow rate produced by theblower 24, defrost and defog settings, an automatic temperature controlsetting, and other settings for the HVAC system 12 of the vehicle 10.

The movable window panel 20 (herein after window 20) is a conventionalvehicle window that is located in the structure of a door of the vehicle10. The window 20 can be a mechanically operated window or can be partof an electric window system that raises and lowers the window 20between a fully closed orientation, a fully open orientation and anymember of partially open orientations by an electric motor (not shown)and operated by a switch S on the side front door, as shown in FIG. 3 .The switch S can provide a signal to the controller 34 to indicateanticipation of an audio event involving the window 20. The window 20may also include a window sensor 52 (FIG. 4 ) that detects whether ornot the window 20 is open or not. When the window 20 moves to an openposition, the window sensor 52 provides a signal to the controller 34indicating that the window 20 is open (not in the closed position). Thevehicle 10 also includes a speed sensor 54 that detects the speed of thevehicle 10. The logic of the controller 34 assumes that when the window20 is in an open position or partially open and the speed of the vehicle10 is close to zero (approximately zero or less than five miles perhour), an audio event is about to occur or is occurring, such as adiscussion with a bank teller, a discussion with a person at a take-outwindow, or the like.

It should be understood that the controller 34 and the window sensor 52can be configured in any of a variety of ways. Specifically, the windowsensor 52 can be configured to detect each and every position the window20 is moved to. Alternatively, the window sensor 52 can be configured todetect only the fully open orientation and the fully closed orientation.The controller 34 can be configured to operate in a noise reduction modein response to the window 20 being in the fully open orientation.Alternatively, the controller 34 can be configured to operate in thenoise reduction mode in response to the window being only partiallyopen, and not in the fully closed orientation.

As used hereinbelow, the term “audio event” refers to two types ofactions. For example, an action taken either by the vehicle operator orpassenger that involves a sound or spoken word, for instance, a commandspoken out loud, so that it can be picked up by the microphone 48 andprocessed by the voice recognition device 40, is one type of “audioevent”. Another type of “audio event” is one where a device within thevehicle 10 produces an audio output that is intended to assist thevehicle operator or passenger in some way. For example, an incomingtelephone call received by a cell phone connected via wirelesscommunication to the hands-free communication device 38 constitutes anaudio event. The activation or initiation of the voice recognitiondevice 40 constitutes an audio event. The issuance of driving directionsfrom the navigation device 42 constitutes an audio event. The window 20being open constitutes an audio event in that when the window 20 isopen, it is assumed that an occupant of the vehicle 10 intends tointeract with an entity external to the passenger compartment 14. Forinstance, the vehicle 10 is currently at, for example, a drive-upteller's window of a bank, a toll booth to seek information or pay atoll, or a fast-food window for the purpose of ordering a beverage orfood.

Thus, each of the following devices is an audio event device: thehands-free communication device 38; the voice recognition device 40; thenavigation device 42; and the window 20.

The controller 34 of the HVAC system 12 controls numerous operations andoperating modes of the HVAC system 12. Specifically, the controller 34includes programming instructions that allow it to control the HVACsystem 12 in some or all of, for example, a manual mode, an automaticmode and a noise reduction mode. In the manual mode only the settingsinputted by the vehicle operator or passenger using the climate controlpanel 44 are used by the controller 34 to set the position of the mixingdoor 36, operate the compressor 30 and set the blower 24 to produce aset airflow rate. Specifically, if the climate control panel 44 is setmanually to produce heat with the blower 24 set to a specific speed,then the controller 34 sets the mixing door 36 to a correspondingposition and operates the compressor 30 to operate if cooling or defogis manually set.

If the automatic mode is engaged at the climate control panel 44, thenthe controller 34 automatically determines an optimal setting for themixing door 36 to provide heating and/or cooling of the air flowingthrough the air handler 22, and operates the blower 24 to provide anappropriate airflow rate. For example, if a temperature sensor 56 withinthe passenger compartment 14 provides a temperature reading that differsby more than a couple of degrees from the desired cabin temperature setusing the climate control panel 44, the controller 34 sets the mixingdoor 36 to provide an appropriate change (heating or cooling) to thetemperature of the air flowing through the air handler 22 and sets theblower 24 to produce a large airflow rate of the air flowing from theair handler 22 into the passenger compartment 14. As the differencebetween the desired cabin temperature and the cabin temperature measuredby the temperature sensor 56 within the passenger compartment 14diminishes and approaches zero, the controller 34 can reduce the airflowrate by slowing the speed of the blower 24 and reducing the temperaturechanging capability of the air handler 22 by repositioning the mixingdoor 36.

Examples of operation in an automatic mode are set forth in, forinstance, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,832,990, 5,995,889 and 6,782,945, allcommonly assigned and having common inventorship. U.S. Pat. Nos.5,832,990, 5,995,889 and 6,782,945, are all incorporated herein byreference in their entirety.

The noise reduction mode of the controller 34 can be integrated into theautomatic mode described above, or can be a separate mode that isactivated by a mechanical switch of the climate control panel 44. In thedepicted embodiment, the noise reduction mode of the controller 34 ispart of the overall logic of the automatic mode described above. Inother words, the noise reduction mode described herein can be added toany of the various the automatic modes referred to above with respect toU.S. Pat. Nos. 5,832,990, 5,995,889 and 6,782,945, or can be added toother similar automatic modes of operation of an HVAC system. The noisereduction mode of the controller 34 is now described with specificreference to FIGS. 4 and 5 .

As shown in FIG. 4 , the controller 34 is operably connected to theblower 24 in a conventional manner to the mixing door 36, the hands-freecommunication device 38, the voice recognition device 40, the navigationdevice 42, the display 42a, the window sensor 52, the temperature sensor56 and an ambient temperature sensor 58. As used herein, the termoperably connected can mean a direct electrical wire connection or canbe a wireless connection. The controller 34 receives signals from eachof the devices it is connected to such that the controller 34 canrespond accordingly to each of the received signals. Specifically, thecontroller 34 sends and receives speed related signals to and from theblower 24 in order to control airflow rates into the passengercompartment 14 produced by the blower 24. The controller 34 sends andreceives position related signals to and from the mixing door 36 suchthat the controller 34 can reposition the mixing door 36, if changes tothe position of the mixing door 36 are necessary. The controller 34receives signals from the hands-free communication device 38 indicatingthe status of the hands-free communication device 38, and in particular,the controller 34 receives a signal from the hand-free communicationdevice 38 indicating a telephone call is about to be received from aconnected cell phone. The controller 34 also receives signals from thevoice recognition device 40 indicating the operational status of thevoice recognition device 40. The controller 34 also receives signalsfrom the navigation device 42 indicating the operational status of thenavigation device 42. The controller 34 is also connected to the display42a such that status information relating to the HVAC system 12 andoperations of the controller 34 can be displayed on the display 42a. Thecontroller 34 receives signals from the window sensor 52 indicatingwhether or not the window 20 is open or not. Finally, the controller 34is connected to the temperature sensor 56 indicating the cabintemperature within the passenger compartment 14 and is connected to anambient temperature sensor 58 indicating the ambient temperature outsidethe vehicle 10.

One example of the operational steps controlled by the controller 34when operating in the noise reduction mode is shown in FIG. 5 .Specifically, at step S1, the controller 34 defines a variable BSpeed asbeing equal to a variable HVAC blower speed, which is defined in any ofa variety of ways. Specifically, the variable HVAC blower speed can bedetermined by the controller 34 in the automatic mode. In the automaticmode, the controller 34 determines whether or not temperature changesare necessary by detecting the current temperature of the passengercompartment 14 via signals from the temperature sensor 56 within thepassenger compartment 14, and comparing the temperature within thepassenger compartment 14 with a desired cabin temperature set using atthe climate control panel 44. If the difference between the desiredcabin temperature and the current temperature of the passengercompartment 14 is greater than a predetermined amount in the automaticmode, the mixing door 36 is set to an appropriate position and theblower 24 is set to produce an appropriate airflow rate that correspondsto the variable HVAC blower speed. The controller 34 further evaluatesthe ambient temperature outside the vehicle 10 as measured by theambient temperature sensor 58. Specifically, on a very hot day in theautomatic mode, the outlet temperature of air flowing from the airhandler 22 into the passenger compartment 14 can be made lower to meetcooling demands based on the ambient temperature. On a very cold day inthe automatic mode, the outlet temperature of air flowing from the airhandler 22 into the passenger compartment 14 can be made higher to meetheating demands based on the ambient temperature.

Alternatively, the variable HVAC blower speed can be the current speedof the blower 24 as initially manually set by the vehicle operator orpassenger using the climate control panel 44.

At step S2, the controller 34 determines whether or not the movablewindow panel 20 is open or not based on the output of the window sensor52 or whether or not the window is in a open orientation based uponactivation of the switch S. If the window is not open, it is likely thewindow is partially open for ventilation purposes only or is shut andoperation moves to step S4. If the window is determined to be open atstep S2, the controller 34 concludes that the vehicle operator may beabout to engage in a conversation with another entity outside thevehicle 10 and operation moves in step S3 in anticipation of an audioevent. At step S3, the controller 34 accesses the measurements of thespeed sensor 54. If the speed of the vehicle 10 is greater thanapproximately zero, then the vehicle is in motion and operation moves tostep S4. If the speed of the vehicle 10 is not greater thanapproximately zero, then the vehicle 10 is assumed to be at a stop andwith the window being open, an audio event is likely about to occur.Operation then moves to step S7, as described in greater detail below.

At Step S4, the controller 34 determines whether or not the hands-freecommunication device 38 has sent an activation signal corresponding toinitiation of a phone call or the receiving of an incoming phone call inanticipation of an audio event. If, at step S4 the hands-freecommunication device 38 has sent an activation signal corresponding toeither the initiation of a communication activity or the receiving of anincoming communication, operation moves to step S7. As mentioned above,the hands-free communication device 38 can send a signal to thecontroller 34 at a time interval prior to performing a hands-freeinteraction, such as providing a ringing sound indicating an incomingphone call. This section anticipates an audio event. Specifically, thisaction anticipates an upcoming telephone conversation. If no activationsignal has been received at step S4, operation then moves to step S5.

At step S5, the controller 34 determines whether or not the voicerecognition device 40 has sent an activation signal to the controller 34in anticipation of an audio event. If, at step S5 the voice recognitiondevice 40 has sent an activation signal to the controller 34, operationmoves to step S7. Upon receiving a signal indicating manual activationvia the switch 41 or receiving an input from the microphone 48, thevoice recognition system 40 sends the signal to the controller 34 at atime interval prior to performing a voice recognition interaction. If noactivation signal has been received at step S5, operation then moves tostep S6.

At Step S6, the controller 34 determines whether or not the navigationdevice 42 has sent an activation signal to the controller 34 inanticipation of an audio event. If at step S6 the navigation device 42has sent an activation signal to the controller 34, the controller 34assumes the navigation device 42 is about to initiate an audio event,such as provide driving directions to the vehicle operator and operationmoves to step S7. If the navigation device 42 has not sent an activationsignal to the controller 34 at step S6, operation moves to step S8.

At step S7, the controller 34 determines whether or not the variableBSpeed is greater than a predetermined variable Limit. The predeterminedvariable Limit corresponds to a speed of the blower 24 with a low noiselevel, determined to be sufficiently low so as not to interfere with theanticipated audio events. If at step S7 the variable BSpeed is greaterthan the predetermined variable Limit, then operation moves to step S9.If at step S7 the variable BSpeed is not greater than the predeterminedvariable Limit, then operation moves to step S8.

At step S9, the variable BSpeed is made equal to the predeterminedvariable Limit. At step S8, the blower 24 is set by the controller 34 tooperate at a speed corresponding to the variable BSpeed and therebyproducing a corresponding airflow rate of air flowing from the airhandler 22 to the passenger compartment 14. Coupled with steps S8 and S9is a timer of the controller 34 that maintains the blower 24 at thespeed BSpeed for a predetermined period of time when B Speed has beenredefined in step S9 as the Limit. The predetermined period of time ofthe timer of the controller 34 is provided to ensure that theanticipated audio event has time to occur before BSpeed is redefinedagain in a next iteration of the logic in FIG. 5 . In other words, whensteps S9 and S8 are both implemented, the timer prevents the controller34 from proceeding to a next iteration of the logic in FIG. 5 for abrief period of time.

For example, when, at steps S2 and S3, the controller 34 determines thatthe window 20 has been opened and the speed is close to zero, thecontroller 34 anticipates an audio event and the lowered airflow rateLimit (BSpeed) is maintained for the predetermined period of time beforethe controller 34 cycles through the logic steps S1-S9 again. Similarly,if any one of the steps S4, S5 and/or S6 has triggered anticipation ofan audio event, the controller 34 waits at step S8 for the predeterminedperiod of time before cycles through the logic steps S1-S9 again. Thepredetermined period of time can be anywhere from five seconds totwenty-five seconds, depending upon the design of the vehicle 10 and theHVAC system 12, or the variable operator preferences.

Each of the audio event devices (the window 20, the hands-freecommunication device 38, the voice recognition device 40 and thenavigation device 42) coordinate with the controller 34 such that eachaudio event device sends its corresponding signal to the controller 34at a time interval just before or prior to producing an audio event (anaudible output) thereby anticipating an upcoming audio event. In thecase of the window 20 being open, as soon as the controller 34 receivesthe signal from the window sensor 52 that the window is open and thecontroller 34 determines the vehicle speed is close to zero, thecontroller 34 immediately defines the variable BSpeed as being equal tothe predetermined variable Limit, and the speed of the blower 24 isreduced so that the audio event (a conversation through the windowopening) can commence without interference from a large noise levelproduced by the air flowing from the air handler 22 into the passengercompartment 14.

The controller 34 repeatedly and continuously cycles through the logicset forth in FIG. 5 , while the vehicle 10 and the HVAC system 12 are inoperation. Hence, at the conclusion of each and every audio event, thelogic set forth in FIG. 5 , returns the speed of the blower 24 toautomatic control such that a level corresponding to one determined bythe logic of the automatic mode or the variable HVAC blower speed, asdefined prior to the audio event. The resumption of the airflow rate toa level determined by the automatic mode logic occurs after apredetermined time interval that can be programmed into the controller34 or can be a result of the cycling time through iterations of thesteps S2-S9 depicted in the flowchart in FIG. 5 .

Further, although not shown in FIG. 5 , during any of the audio eventsdescribed above, the controller 34 can also re-position the mixing door36 to increase or decrease the outlet temperature of air flowing fromthe air handler 22 at step S9, while simultaneously defining thevariable B Speed as being equal to the predetermined variable Limit.More specifically, if the controller 34 is currently operating the HVACsystem 12 in a cooling operation and an audio event is anticipated, atstep S9 the controller 34 can reposition the mixing door 36 and operatethe compressor 30 and evaporator 28 to further reduce the outlettemperature of air flowing from the air handler 22 to the passengercompartment 14 while reducing the speed of the blower 24 (and reducingthe airflow rate). Further, if the controller 34 is currently operatingthe HVAC system 12 in a heating operation and an audio event isinitiated, at step S9 the controller 34 can reposition the mixing door36 to further increase the outlet temperature of air flowing from theair handler 22 to the passenger compartment 14 while lowering the speedof the blower 24 (and reducing the airflow rate).

Although not shown in FIG. 5 , while the controller 34 is controllingthe blower 24 to operate at the noise reducing airflow rate(corresponding to the variable Limit), the controller 34 can furthercontrol the display 42a to produce an indication 42b (FIG. 3 ) then theblower 24 is being operated at the noise reducing airflow rate.

As mentioned above, a plurality of air outlets are connected to the airhandler 22 directing airflow into the passenger compartment 14. Some ofthese air outlets can direct air toward the microphone 48. Thecontroller 34 is further connected the air handler 22 to open and closeeach of these air outlets as required. More specifically, the controller34 can open and close groups of these air outlets to direct air to flowfrom the air handler 22 toward the windshield in the defog or defrostmode. In a cooling operation, the controller 34 can close the door 23ato prevent air from flowing to the windshield through the air duct 22a.The controller 34 opens the doors 23b and 23c so that air can flow fromthe air handler 22 through the air outlets 22b and 22c thereby directingair to flow from the air handler 22 toward the vehicle operator and/orpassenger. In a heating operation, the controller 34 can close the doors23a and 23b, open door 23c such that air only flows from the air handler22 toward the floor of the passenger compartment 14. It should beunderstood from the description herein and drawings that othercombination of opening and closings of the doors 23a, 23b and 23c arepossible.

In the noise reduction mode where the blower 24 is operated at the noisereducing airflow rate (corresponding to the variable Limit), thecontroller 34 can open and close groups of these air outlets to preventair from flowing from the air handler 22 toward the microphone 48. Forexample, if as shown in FIG. 3 the microphone 48 is installed to theroof of the passenger compartment 14, the controller 34 can close thedoor 23a and prevent air from flowing upward along the windshield towardthe microphone 48, thereby preventing the airflow from interfering withthe operation of the microphone 48.

As described above, the controller 34 operates the blower 24, the mixingdoor 36 and the air outlet doors 23a, 23b and 23c in order to facilitateaudio events. The controller 34 further controls the speed of the blower24 to produce an airflow rate that produces a reduced noise level inanticipation of an audio event thereby improving the conditions withinthe passenger compartment 14 while the vehicle operator or passenger isengaged during the upcoming audio event.

Although not shown, the vehicle 10 can also optionally include apassenger detection sensor or a plurality of passenger detectionsensors, one for each seat within the vehicle 10, connected to thecontroller 34. If the vehicle 10 is operating, the controller 34 assumesthere is a vehicle operator in the vehicle 10. The controller 34 canfurther be configured to determine whether or not a passenger is presentwithin the vehicle 10 in addition to the vehicle operator, via signalsfrom the passenger detection sensor(s). If a passenger is present withinthe vehicle 10, the controller 34 is configured to re-position the doors23a, 23b and 23c in order to divert airflow away from the passenger, inparticular if the audio event is a telephone call that requires audiocontributions by the passenger. If no passenger is present, thecontroller 34 can re-position the doors 23a, 23b and 23c in order todivert airflow away from the vehicle operator. Airflow directed onto thevehicle operator or the passenger during an audio event, such as atelephone call, could interfere with the success of the audio event.

The controller 34 preferably includes a microcomputer with a HVAC systemcontrol program that controls various elements of the HVAC system 12,such as the compressor 30, the mixing door 36 and the blower 24, asdiscussed herein. The controller 34 can also include other conventionalcomponents such as an input interface circuit, an output interfacecircuit, and storage devices such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) device anda RAM (Random Access Memory) device. The microcomputer of the controller34 is programmed to control the HVAC system. The memory circuit storesprocessing results and control programs such as ones for HVAC systemoperation that are run by the processor circuit. The controller 34 isoperatively coupled to the components of the HVAC system 12 in aconventional manner. The internal RAM of the controller 34 storesstatuses of operational flags and various control data. The internal ROMof the controller 34 stores the commands and operating instructions forvarious HVAC system operations. It will be apparent to those skilled inthe art from this disclosure that the precise structure and algorithmsfor the controller 34 can be any combination of hardware and softwarethat will carry out the functions of the present invention.

The various components and features of the vehicle 10 that are notnecessarily described herein are conventional components that are wellknown in the art. Since these components and features are well known inthe art, these structures will not be discussed or illustrated in detailherein. Rather, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art fromthis disclosure that the components can be any type of structure and/orprogramming that can be used to carry out the present invention.

General Interpretation Of Terms

In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term“comprising” and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to beopen ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features,elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not excludethe presence of other unstated features, elements, compounds, groups,integers and/or steps. The foregoing also applies to words havingsimilar meanings such as the terms, “including”, “having” and theirderivatives. Also, the terms “part,” “section,” “portion,” “member” or“element” when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of asingle part or a plurality of parts. Also as used herein to describe theabove embodiment, the following directional terms “forward”, “rearward”,“above”, “downward”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “below” and “transverse”as well as any other similar directional terms refer to those directionsof a vehicle equipped with the vehicle HVAC noise control system.Accordingly, these terms, as utilized to describe the present inventionshould be interpreted relative to a vehicle equipped with the vehicleHVAC noise control system.

The term “detect” as used herein to describe an operation or functioncarried out by a component, a section, a device or the like includes acomponent, a section, a device or the like that does not requirephysical detection, but rather includes determining, measuring,modeling, predicting or computing or the like to carry out the operationor function.

The term “configured” as used herein to describe a component, section orpart of a device includes hardware and/or software that is constructedand/or programmed to carry out the desired function.

The terms of degree such as “substantially”, “about” and “approximately”as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modifiedterm such that the end result is not significantly changed.

While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate thepresent invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art fromthis disclosure that various changes and modifications can be madeherein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined inthe appended claims. For example, the size, shape, location ororientation of the various components can be changed as needed and/ordesired. Components that are shown directly connected or contacting eachother can have intermediate structures disposed between them. Thefunctions of one element can be performed by two, and vice versa. Thestructures and functions of one embodiment can be adopted in anotherembodiment. It is not necessary for all advantages to be present in aparticular embodiment at the same time. Every feature which is uniquefrom the prior art, alone or in combination with other features, alsoshould be considered a separate description of further inventions by theapplicant, including the structural and/or functional concepts embodiedby such features. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the embodimentsaccording to the present invention are provided for illustration only,and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by theappended claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A vehicle HVAC noise control system, comprising:an air handler connected to a passenger compartment within a vehicle; ablower operably connected to the air handler to provide a plurality ofairflow rates for air flowing into the passenger compartment; an audioevent device configured to electronically produce an audio event to thepassenger compartment, where the audio event device consists of one ormore of the following group of devices: a hands-free communicationdevice that wirelessly communicates with a mobile communication device,and a navigation system and a window sensor that includes a globalpositioning system that provides mapping, positioning and audiblenavigation instruction outputs; and a controller operatively connectedto the blower and the audio event device, the controller controllingoperation of the blower initially at an operating airflow rate and inresponse to a signal from the audio event device indicating that theaudio event device will subsequently produce the audio event is about tooccur the controller switches the blower to a noise reducing airflowrate, with the audio event occurring thereafter, and while thecontroller controls the blower to operate at the noise reducing airflowrate, the controller further controls a display to produce an indicationthat the blower is operating at the noise reducing airflow rate, andwhere the signal consists of one or more of the following: an indicationof from the hands-free communication device that an incomingcommunication is being received by the mobile communication device withthe audio event device being the hands-free communication devicewirelessly connected to the mobile communication device; and anindication of that the global positioning system of the navigationdevice system is about to issue an audible navigation instructionoutput; an indication that the window sensor has detected that a windowof the passenger compartment is being opened; and an indication that anaudio event device within the vehicle is about to produce an audiooutput that is intended to assist the vehicle operator or passenger withthe audio event device being the navigation system; and a microphoneconfigured to receive audible input, and the controller is operativelycoupled to the air handler and controls the air handler to selectivelydirect the air away from the microphone in response to audible inputsbeing provided to the microphone.
 2. The vehicle HVAC noise controlsystem according to claim 1, wherein the audio event device is thenavigation system sendsand is configured to send the signal to thecontroller at a time interval before producing the audible navigationinstruction output.
 3. The vehicle HVAC noise control system accordingto claim 1, further comprising: wherein the audio event device is thehands-free communication device wirelessly connected to the mobilecommunication device, the hands-free communication device beingconnected to a voice recognition system that performs a voicerecognition interaction.
 4. The vehicle HVAC noise control systemaccording to claim 3, wherein upon receiving an input from a manualvoice recognition control, the voice recognition system sends a voicerecognition signal to the controller at a time interval prior to beforeperforming the voice recognition interaction.
 5. The vehicle HVAC noisecontrol system according to claim 1 17, wherein the window sensor isconnected to an electric window system including a window control and amovable window panel, the movable window panel moving being movable froma closed orientation to an open orientation upon receiving an input fromthe window control as the audio event.
 6. The vehicle HVAC noise controlsystem according to claim 5, further comprising: a speed sensor thatdetects speed of a vehicle that includes the passenger compartment withthe movable window panel, and the window sensor detecting theorientation of the movable window panel, and the signal from the audioevent device includes a first signal and a second signal, the firstsignal being sent by the window sensor detecting the movable windowpanel is in a position other than the fully closed orientation and thesecond signal being sent by the speed sensor detecting that the vehicleis not in motion.
 7. The vehicle HVAC noise control system according toclaim 5, wherein the electric window system sends the signal to thecontroller upon receiving the input from the window control.
 8. Thevehicle HVAC noise control system according to claim 1, wherein thewindow sensor is connected to a movable window panel movable between afully closed orientation and a fully open orientation, and the audioevent device includes the window sensor detecting the orientation of themovable window panel, the window sensor sending the signal to thecontroller when the movable window panel is detected to be in the fullyopened orientation.
 9. The vehicle HVAC noise control system accordingto claim 1, wherein the audio event device is configured to send thesignal to the controller at a predetermined time interval prior to theaudio event being produced.
 10. The vehicle HVAC noise control systemaccording to claim 1, wherein the controller controls operation of theblower to switch from operating at the noise reducing airflow rate tothe operating airflow rate upon conclusion of the audio event.
 11. Thevehicle HVAC noise control system according to claim 10 1, wherein thecontroller delays switching from operating operates the blower at thenoise reducing airflow rate to the operating airflow rate for apredetermined time interval after conclusion of the audio eventswitching the speed of the blower from the operating airflow rate to thenoise reducing air flow rate.
 12. The vehicle HVAC noise control systemaccording to claim 1, wherein while the controller is controlling theblower to operate at the noise reducing airflow rate, the controllerfurther controls a display to produce an indication that the blower isoperating at the noise reducing airflow rate.
 13. The vehicle HVAC noisecontrol system according to claim 1, further comprising a microphoneconfigured to receive audible input, and the controller is operativelycoupled to the air handler and controls the air handler to selectivelydirect the air away from the microphone in response to audible inputsbeing provided to the microphone.
 14. The vehicle HVAC noise controlsystem according to claim 1, wherein the air handler includes a firstair outlet with a first door, a second air outlet with a second door,and a movable blend third air outlet with a third door for selectivelydirecting airflow from the blower through the first air outlet and thesecond air outlet, and the controller controls the movable blend doorthe first, second and third doors to direct the airflow entirely throughthe second and third air outlet outlets in response to the signal. 15.The vehicle HVAC noise control system according to claim 1, furthercomprising a temperature control for setting a desired temperature ofthe passenger compartment; and a temperature sensor for detecting thecurrent temperature of the passenger compartment; wherein the controlleris operatively coupled to the temperature control and the temperaturesensor, determines a temperature difference between the desiredtemperature and the current temperature, and alters a position of amixing door within the air handler in order to achieve the desiredtemperature in accordance with the temperature difference whilecontrolling the blower to operate at the noise reducing airflow rate.16. The vehicle HVAC noise control system according to claim 1, furthercomprising an audio speaker configured to produce an audible output inresponse to the audio event device producing the audio event.
 17. Thevehicle HVAC noise control system according to claim 1, wherein theaudio event device is the navigation system which is connected to avoice recognition system that performs a voice recognition interaction.18. A vehicle HVAC noise control system, comprising: an air handlerconnected to a passenger compartment within a vehicle; a speed sensorthat detects the speed of the vehicle; a blower operably connected tothe air handler to provide a plurality of airflow rates for air flowinginto the passenger compartment; a window having a window sensor thatdetects whether the window is partially open or fully open; and acontroller operatively connected to the blower, the speed sensor and thewindow sensor of the window, such that the controller controls operationof the blower initially at an operating airflow rate and switches theblower to a noise reducing airflow rate in response to receiving asignal from the window sensor of the window indicating that the windowis partially open or fully open and receiving a signal from the speedsensor that the vehicle speed is less than five miles per hour, whereinthe controller assumes an audio event is about to occur based on thesignals from the window sensor and the speed sensor with the audio eventoccurring thereafter, and while the controller controls the blower tooperate at the noise reducing airflow rate, the controller furthercontrols a display within the passenger compartment to produce anindication that the blower is operating at the noise reducing airflowrate.
 19. The vehicle HVAC noise control system according to claim 18,wherein the controller controls operation of the blower to switch fromoperating at the noise reducing airflow rate after a predetermined timeinterval to a variable HVAC blower speed determined by the controllerbased on the difference between a desired passenger compartmenttemperature and the current temperature of the passenger compartmentbeing greater than a predetermined amount.